Detecting a Lie: General Public ability to identify deception.

We would like to invite you to take part in a research project. Before you decide whether to take part it is important that you understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take time to read this carefully and if you have any questions feel free to ask the researcher. You will have at least 7 days to decide if you want to take part.

What is the purpose of the study?
The aim of this study is to focus on the general public’s ability when asked to identify the presence of deception. In addition to this as juries are chosen from this group, this study will focus on deception and the general public in a forensic setting through the use of courtroom styled questions.

Why have I been invited to take part?
As a member of the general public we would like to invite you to take part in this study to enable us to focus on your ability to identify deception.

Do I have to take part?
No. It is up to you to decide whether or not you want to take part in this study. Please take your time to decide; we will wait for at least 7 days before asking for your decision. You can decide not to take part or to withdraw from the study 28 days after consenting. If you wish to have your data withdrawn please contact the researcher with your participant number and your data will then not be used. If you do decide to take part you will be asked to sign a consent form.

What will happen to me if I agree to take part?
If you decide that you would like to take part in this study, then you will be asked to complete a series of questions online based on three videos you will be presented with. In each of the video recordings the same actor will be present and will be asked a series of courtroom styled questions surrounding an offence that they were victim to. Your role as a participant is to identify whether you believe on a scale of 0-5 whether the actor has incorporated any lies into her statement. If you state 1-5 lies were present in the video you will then be asked to list your reasons for this belief. The questionnaire should take no longer that 30 minutes to complete and once completed your data will be gathered and placed with your individual participation number.
 
Are there any disadvantages risks to taking part?
The research may include discomfort through the forensic element within the questionnaire; however, it is unlikely to cause any distress to the participant. If, however, distress does occur then please see your GP as soon as possible. If you feel that you do not want to see your doctor then please feel free to contact Mind on 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm).

If you are a student at the University of Worcester, then in addition to the previously mentioned support services, you can also contact the University counselling service on 01905855417/5107 or by email on counselling@worc.ac.uk .

Will the information I give stay confidential?
All information gathered in this study will remain confidential, unless you or a fellow participant has found the study distressing and then with you agreement your details will be passed on to the appropriate services. The information gained from you may be used for research report; however, it will not be able to identify you from the information given. Personal identifiable information (e.g. name and contact details) will not be collected in this study, however, if contact is made by yourself or another participant requiring support services then this information will be password protected and securely stored. This information will be kept up to 08.06.15 where the project ends and will then be securely disposed of.